POPULATION MIGRATIONS IN A POLYCENTRIC CONURBATION

Abstract

The aim of the study is to show the volume, destinations and structure of current migrations in a polycentric conurbation as exemplified by the Katowice Conurbation (southern Poland). Throughout 1970s and 1980s, a period of rapid industrial development, until the economic transformation of 1990s, the region experienced large population influxes. Since 1993, however, population decline due to migration has been observable. This problem is particularly acute for large cities. Outflow from the cities accounts for the dominant migration destination. The results of this study show that the region faces a negative migration balance. The decreasing influx of working age migrants combined with the increasing outflow of pensioners result in rejuvenation of the cities and the emergence of a suburban zone around the core of the conurbation.